They are young. And they hope to be very prepared when the opportunity comes. The transfer crunch at Elche has a positive side in the minutes when a few young players play in their first friendlies, recovering from various injuries and Francisco distracted his efforts to not be overloaded.
If pre-season is important for every football player, it gains some degree of emotion in the case of these youngsters, in order to properly prepare for the official competition. They don’t camp, far from it. Everyone knows about the opportunity for first-team coaching staff to practice daily under the magnifying glass. And the experience they’ve gained working with First Division professionals.
John, who has spent several seasons in first-team dynamics; Salinas, Carles Marco, Alfaro, Rodri and Knezevic are academy players who now count almost like first-team members for Francisco. In the first sessions, it was usual to see the other faces of the reserve team, which did not have minutes in the first three friendly matches.
Among Franjiverdismo, Knezevic is the one who creates the most illusions. The Serbian midfielder is one of the most followed players this pre-season, with many fans waiting for his development. His first course at Elche was a bit odd. He signed after the deadline and it took time for his documents to be in order, so he was unable to compete with Ilicitano until the deadline and left a good feeling. But Francisco knows him well because it was usual for the elderly to be in the training group.
quality details
For now, Knezevic has left the details of his quality against Newcastle and Leganés substitutes. He even helped Tete Morente 2-1 in this final duel. Another player that has created expectations is Rodri, who plays international in the sub-categories and has played in all three friendlies (two full episodes and half an hour against Villarreal B). He seems loose and eager to show his qualities on the field.
Waiters Carles Marco and Salinas also attended all matches. The first has just been renewed and the second will continue its evolution with another transfer. The imminent departure of the latter did not become an obstacle for Francisco to continue testing him with good performances on Saturday.
Alfaro noticed that he was a little more nervous in the first game and did not play against Leganés as the first team touchdown players had recovered. All these youngsters are hoping that this summer will be just as much the first as French greens.
subscription campaign
Elche’s season ticket campaign enters a new phase this Monday, where anyone can get their pass for next season. Until now, the process was reserved for season ticket holders from last season.
From this Monday, anyone can subscribe to the franciverde club, which has over 12,000 believers. Procedures can be carried out online or in person at the Martínez Valero stadium offices and the Franjiverde club shop located in L’Aljub Shopping Centre.